In this fresh new look at a classic story, Russell Brand reinvents the role of loveable billionaire Arthur Bach, an irresponsible charmer who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of his… MoreIn this fresh new look at a classic story, Russell Brand reinvents the role of loveable billionaire Arthur Bach, an irresponsible charmer who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of his lifelong nanny and best friend Hobson (Helen Mirren), to keep him out of trouble. Kind-hearted, fun-loving, and utterly without purpose, Arthur spends every day in the heedless pursuit of amusement. But when his unpredictable public image threatens the staid reputation of the family foundation, Bach Worldwide, he is given an ultimatum: marry the beautiful but decidedly unlovable Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), an ambitious corporate exec who can keep him in line, or say goodbye to his billion-dollar inheritance and the only way of life he knows. It's a deal Arthur would be inclined to take...if he hadn't just fallen for Naomi (Greta Gerwig), a New York City tour guide who shares his idealism and spontaneity. The independent Naomi sees Arthur not only for who he is, but for who he could be, and finally gives him a reason to take charge of his own life. All he needs to do is stand up for what he wants. But at what cost? With some unconventional help from Hobson--the one person who always believed he could do anything--Arthur will take the most expensive risk of his life and learn what it means to become a man. -- (C) Warner Bros

I think that this is just as good, if not better than the original. I'm sure a lot of people will just hate this by default because it's a remake, but… MoreI think that this is just as good, if not better than the original. I'm sure a lot of people will just hate this by default because it's a remake, but anyone who gives it a fair chance will have a hard time finding it anything but fun. I guess you have to enjoy Russell Brand in order to find it as funny as I did, but I think this role was perfect for him. Everything about Arthur and his larger than life personality is so easy to accept when it's so well acted. Nearly every joke he makes is hilarious and the whole concept is something that never seems to get old. I think all of the characters are great and a step up from their originals. Helen Mirren is amazing as Hobson and I honestly don't think anyone could play that character better. I also think Greta Gerwig was perfect too; she just has a quality about her that is totally unique and lovable. While this is a remake in terms of structure and basic plot, it's completely different in terms of the comedy and general atmosphere. Some of the little things like Frog and Toad, Batman Forevermobile, and the Gummi Bear suit are what make it so much more fun to me. As a heartwarming comedy, you can't get better than this. It gives you exactly what you need and there's nothing cheap or corny about it. No one should feel bad about liking Arthur because it's just so good at what it wants to be.

paul sandberg

There is a given disadvantage to any remake; specifically, if it's been done before, why do it again?
In the case of Arthur, the remake, you have a… MoreThere is a given disadvantage to any remake; specifically, if it's been done before, why do it again?
In the case of Arthur, the remake, you have a well loved tale from 30+ years ago. Perhaps when pitching this film you could argue that a couple of generations have passed since then, and we've got this hot actor who is box office gold... and I suppose that works to a degree. But speaking as one not of the demographic, and having seen the first film and enjoyed Dudley Moore's antics, my repeat viewing of the remake comes from an admittedly skewed lens. That being said, though the tale is creaky around the edges, there is enough witty dialog and bon mots to make this a worthwhile viewing - and it's got Helen Mirren, so that alone should hold your interest.
Russell Brand holds his own as Arthur in my opinion, and Jennifer Garner is sufficiently waspy in her villainous turn as the woman Arthur is condemned to marry. Greta Gerwig, in the Liza Minneli role comes from a different angle - more sweetness than edgy, but her acting here is sincere. The film totally wastes the great comic talent of Luis Guzman, giving him not much to do other than wear a hilarious Robin costume at the film's intro. Speaking of wasting talent - Nick Nolte... what the heck was he doing here, slumming as a threatening buffoon?
But even though I found the last half of the film a bit draggy - too much plot getting in the way of the fun - there were enough funny bits of dialog coming out of Brand's mouth and enough of Helen Mirren being... Helen Mirren, to give this a marginal passing grade - you could do far worse if you're looking for a bit of light humor.

Unknown Hobo

Honestly I cannot be the only person in the world getting tired of Brand being paid big bucks to act like himself. If I didn't hold the 80's classic… MoreHonestly I cannot be the only person in the world getting tired of Brand being paid big bucks to act like himself. If I didn't hold the 80's classic in such high regard this movie would have just irritated me, but as a die hard fan of Moore and the original film, this ramshackle remake left an extremely bitter taste in my mouth. Mirren as always was the saving grace of this film but I think even she will look back at 2011's "Arthur" with gritted teeth. Actors like Brand (if an actor is what he is) are best left destroying their own legacy and not that of others.

Josh Lewis

Bland...boring...uneventful... just a few of the words I can use to describe this completely unfunny remake. It's not offensive, which is why I gave it the… MoreBland...boring...uneventful... just a few of the words I can use to describe this completely unfunny remake. It's not offensive, which is why I gave it the score I did, but I would not ever even considering going near it again and will be more cautious of movies with Russel Brand in a leading role.

Nicki Marie

This is one i put off watching for a long time because it seemed like such a steaming pile.
Saw it on free to air TV recently. Certainly wouldn't have… MoreThis is one i put off watching for a long time because it seemed like such a steaming pile.
Saw it on free to air TV recently. Certainly wouldn't have paid for it.
So, was it as bad as I expected? Well,yes and no.
The main problem with this is Russell Brand. He is meant to be an alcoholic. He just comes off here as mentally challenged.
The female leads pretty much save this. Greta Gerwig and Helen Mirren. I like Jennifer Garner generally. I have to say, this isn't a great role for her either. She does much better with girl next door roles than bitchy ones.
There's a few smiles here (I wouldn't say laughs exactly), and some of it is sweet. It's certainly not as awful as I expected. I liked the date at the train station, for example and the ending is quite romantic (or could have been if the guy was anyone other than Brand).

Melvin White

Arthur: We shouldn't get married... we have nothing in common. You love horses. I don't trust them. Their shoes are permanent. Who makes that kind of… MoreArthur: We shouldn't get married... we have nothing in common. You love horses. I don't trust them. Their shoes are permanent. Who makes that kind of a commitment to a shoe?
"No Work. All Play."
Really Arthur isn't the terrible remake I thought I was getting myself in for. Russell Brand and Helen Mirren are enough to make this a decent effort at remaking a classic comedy. Sure it never touches the greatness of Dudley Moore's Arthur, but it is amusing in its own little way. I actually can say I enjoyed the experience for the most part, but after the first hour it did feel like it was getting a little longwinded. This mostly comes from the fact that the laugh out loud hilarious moments of the original are sized down a bit. There are still moments of hilarity and a great deal of the jokes are met with at least a smirk, but in comparison, it's just not the same.
If you've seen the first is really important in knowing whether you will be able to enjoy this on a higher level than I did. If you have seen the original, odds are you won't care for this. If you haven't, you still might not like it, but there is a greater chance. I'm surprised in my mild liking of the film and actually a little ashamed. I feel like I'm somehow slaying the originals greatness. But this did manage to be, like I said, mildly fun. Once again... mildly. I'm not saying it's a great movie. Amusing is the best word for it.
The story is of Arthur... obviously. He's a filthy rich, drunk, who has no intention of ever doing anything other than easy girls he meets and buying stuff he has no need for. His mother gives him an ultimatum; get an arranged marriage or lose your money. So he decides to get married. Then he meets the woman of his dreams and must decide if he loves her enough to give up all of his money. For the most part, the plot is the exact same as the original with one big difference. Helen Mirren plays Hobson as a nanny.
Worth a look, just don't expect a classic like the original. I'm actually happy I decided to give this a watch despite my own preconceived notions about just how awful it would be. In reality it is a lesser film, but Brand and Mirren do make it a little more than watchable.

Film Crazy

I surprisingly quite enjoyed this movie. Admittedly if you go in with an open mind and not expecting much and of course if your a Russell Brand fan then… MoreI surprisingly quite enjoyed this movie. Admittedly if you go in with an open mind and not expecting much and of course if your a Russell Brand fan then you'll like this movie!
Its entertaining and quite amusing in places that with The Brilliant Helen Mirren it is a recipe for a half decent comedy!
Its a cute and enjoyable movie that you shouldnt expect much but just enjoy it for its simplisity! The gorgeous jennifer garner also adds to it and makes it entertaining! Worth a watch!

Veronique Kwak

should i be ashamed that i seem to be the only one who finds russell brand cute? lol.

Cynthia S.

Ok. My guilty obsession...Russell Brand. He is just sooo funny to me, and rather charming, in a way. He does a lot of great ad-libbing, as usual. Helen Mirren… MoreOk. My guilty obsession...Russell Brand. He is just sooo funny to me, and rather charming, in a way. He does a lot of great ad-libbing, as usual. Helen Mirren does a really touching job as his nanny. Good music by Death Cab, great comic timing by all involved, and very sincere performances. Not actually a copy of the original. More of a revamping. I enjoyed this..a lot.

Roy Gutteridge

There is no real reason for this movie to exist, but with Brand's winning star turn, it's likable and its heart is in the right place.

Kase Vollebregt

'Arthur''s ability to easily entertain it's audience is foiled by Russell Brand's overly-childish character that creates more annoyance… More'Arthur''s ability to easily entertain it's audience is foiled by Russell Brand's overly-childish character that creates more annoyance than it does pathos. The film is not completely devoid of charm or laughs, but it makes it so hard for it's audience to fall in love with it. This silly remake proves to be it's own saboteur, and it's not pretty. Only Helen Mirren is actually a joy to watch.